Earl J. Atkisson

Earl James Atkisson (August 12, 1886 – September 18, 1941) was Colonel of the United States Army's 1st Gas Regiment in World War I.

Early career Earl James Atkisson was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska, but his family moved to Fresno County, California and he graduated from high school in Fowler. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy in 1904. He graduated seventh in his class in 1908, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.

Atkisson served two years at Fort Leavenworth, followed by six at the Army's Engineering school at Washington Barracks, less one year he spent earning his M.E. degree at Cornell University, which he received in 1911. While there, he was promoted to first lieutenant. He was next assigned as a captain to be superintendent of the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal, where he was serving when World War I broke out.

Later career Returning to the United States in September 1919, While there, he assisted in rescuing two officers from drowning, for which he was awarded the Lifesaving Medal. He then served as Assistant Military Attaché at the American embassy in London from 1923 to 1925. He then served as the Chemical Officer for the Ninth Corps Area at the Presidio of San Francisco, until his retirement for disability in March 1926. He was given his World War I rank of colonel by Act of Congress in June 1930.

Upon retirement, Atkisson returned to Sanger, where he managed his father's department store company until his death in September 1941. He is buried in the Sanger Cemetery.

Portrayals

Christopher Alexander McCowan aka Alexander Christof Grimaldi played Earl J. Atkisson in "A Man Comes To Fowler" by the Cornerstone Theater Company which is based in Los Angeles. The play took place in Fowler, California from August 11–13, 2011